Politicians question “suspicion of murder” statement on Huelin death suspects

Wednesday 18 November 2015

The decision to announce that the five suspects questioned over the death of 16-year-old Morgan Huelin were held “on suspicion of murder” has been questioned in the States, after their bail was dropped four months later.

Last week the police announced that the five teenage suspects were no longer on bail and that they would not face murder charges over Morgan’s death in July – but they say that they could still face prosecution for lesser offences.

Faced with questions in the States yesterday, Home Affairs Minister Kristina Moore said that politicians had no authority over operational decisions by police officers – including statements over arrests and charges – and that she could not answer.

It has been more than four months since the young man died after a house party in Trinity – the five suspects were arrested over the following 24 hours at various addresses, and they have been on bail on suspicion of murder ever since.

After their last appearance on bail at the police station, they were not set to return until 27 November. The statement a fortnight ago confirmed that all five have now been released from their police bail.

In the States yesterday, questions were also asked over whether decisions could have been taken while the forensic work in the UK that has held up prosecution decisions was being completed.

But Home Affairs Minister Kristina Moore told the States that as Home Affairs Minister she was responsible for policy and legislation – and that it would not be appropriate for politicians to be involved in operation decisions by police officers, including announcements regarding arrests.

Deputy Carolyn Labey asked the Deputy about the police’s announcement on the day that the five male suspects were arrested that they were being hold on suspicion of murder, asking: “Did the minister believe it appropriate to refer to the schoolboys as being ‘questioned over possible murder charges’ rather than that they were helping police with their inquiries? Would that not have been more appropriate terminology?"

Deputy Moore responded, saying that as Home Affairs Minister she was responsible for policy and legislation – and that it would not be appropriate for politicians to be involved in operation decisions by police officers.

She said: “It is an operational matter. It is not for the minister to express a view one-way or the other. It simply would not be appropriate to do so.”